New Year, New Music

With each school year we hopefully grow as people, so why not expand our music tastes as well? I have heard enough Green Day and Ciara on the radio to last me a lifetime. Therefore, I scour the internet for underground artists offering a fresh musical perspective. An underground artist, often called an indie artist, is generally defined as one not represented by a major label. Belonging to a small label allows artists increased creative freedom, and as a result, much more interesting music. One of the best sites for finding indie artists is the infamous pitchforkmedia.com. Although this site can be confusing to those unaccustomed to the language of music snobs, it is a great place to do some indie exploration. The best way to get artist recommendations is by word of mouth, so try out some of my favorite albums if you’re sick of mainstream music.

1. Calexico/Iron and Wine – In the Reins

   Sliding melodies and country style from the light spoken Sam Beam of Iron and Wine meet the country craziness of the much beloved Calexico with excellent results. Listen more than once and you’ll have this jazz-folk-country wonder on repeat for days.

   Buy if you like: Folk with a twist.

2. Oh No! Oh My! – Oh No! Oh My!

   This album is summer love gone silly. The light-hearted vocals often seem to contradict the serious subject matter but the two are tied together with tongue-in-cheek delivery from Greg Barkley.

   Buy if you like: the strange instruments of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah but occasionally find Robbie Guertin’s wailing grating.

3. My Brightest Diamond – Bring Me The Workhorse

   Intense tidal waves of sound and oddly disturbing lyrics characterize the debut album of Shara Worden under the moniker My Brightest Diamond. In the style of the imaginary lovechild of Bjork and Joni Mitchell, Worden creates a complex alternate universe with little more than a few sentences.

   Buy if you like: warbling vocals and beautiful lyrics.

4. Art Brut – Bang Bang Rock And Roll

   There are few words to describe the rollicking brilliance that is Art Brut. Although the musical structure of their songs never reaches far past crazed power chords, Art Brut’s stream of thought musings on the music industry, sex, and modern art make for an inspired, hilarious album.

   Buy this if you like: punk rock that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

5. Au Revoir Simone – Verses of Comfort Assurance and Salvation.

   Sweet vocals and synth-pop beats combine to make highly satisfactory eerie tunes. Images of rock candy are conjured by the contrast between the girlish vocals and the sharp lyrics, but this album will appeal more to those with a sweet tooth.

   Buy if you like: ethereal vocals and synthesizer at its best.

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